A special valentine

MOSES LAKE — Jan DeBeaumont wanted to give a few local cancer patients a special valentine on Tuesday.

The riders on the Health Express bus were joined by the executive director of the Moses Lake Cancer Foundation before their trip to Wenatchee Valentine's Day morning, and DeBeaumont presented the riders and driver with carnations and candy in honor of the holiday.

She would later present flowers, cookies and candy to patients receiving treatment in the oncology department at the Moses Lake Clinic.

"I'm just thinking of ways to let patients know that we're supporting them, and thinking about them," she said.

The Health Express bus makes daily trips to Wenatchee for patients needing chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments. The bus is funded by the cancer foundation, Moses Lake Clinic, Grant Transit Authority and People for People to provide the trip for patients free of charge.

Moses Lake Clinic oncology nurse Angie Anderson said the bus is one of the best things for patients, and allows them to form friendships on the ride up with others who may be in the same situation they are. Since the Health Express bus service began in 2004, the bus has averaged more than 100 rider trips each month.

DeBeaumont said Tuesday she wants to let people know they have support in their fight against cancer. DeBeaumont, who herself has battled breast cancer, said she knows support for the patients is important, and said delivering the valentines were a great way for the cancer foundation to show support for those needing chemotherapy and other treatments.

"I just remember how nice it was to have people around you who support you," she said.